Minnesota athletes continue to shine across the SWAC and NCAA, highlighted by Ariel Bland and Nina Thorson.
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Minneapolis North Polars Hold Off Roosevelt Teddies, 64–60
The Minneapolis North Community Polars defeated the Roosevelt Teddies 64–60 in a competitive Minneapolis conference boys basketball matchup.
Posted inAnother View
March Madness: A look at HBCU basketball’s intensity and spirit
The HBCUAC basketball championship in Tuscaloosa highlighted NAIA HBCU talent as Rust College and SUNO captured conference titles.
Posted inThe Prep Scene
South wins Twin City Title
Minneapolis South defeated St. Paul Central 80–77 to win the TC Championship, securing its first Twin City title since 1962.
Posted inSports
From Minnesota Gyms to the Global Game
Minnesota high schools continue to shape professional basketball, with 17 alumni competing in the NBA, NBA-affiliated systems, and overseas leagues during the 2025–26 season.
Posted inBlack College Sports Report
Florida A&M’s new men’s head BB coach has storied past
Former Heisman Trophy winner Charlie Ward begins his first season as Florida A&M’s men’s basketball head coach, bringing leadership, experience, and family legacy back to FAMU.
Posted inOdds and Ends
Veteran TSU coach expects a fast game
Texas Southern returns to The Barn for the first time since 1995 as part of a demanding road heavy non conference schedule. Veteran coach Johnny Jones brings a fast and competitive squad that includes preseason all SWAC guard Zaire Hayes and leading scorers Troy Haywood and Drayce Roberts. Jones says the early tests at Gonzaga, Texas A and M, Vanderbilt and others serve as a measuring stick as the Tigers prepare for Minnesota.
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Minneapolis South High Overpowers Cooper in Early Season Statement Win
South opened its season with authority, blowing past Cooper 91 to 41 behind an aggressive defense, fast paced offense, and standout performances from Jamair Wright and Laviance Gales. The Tigers looked deeper and more disciplined than last season, making an early statement in the Minneapolis City Conference.
Posted inOdds and Ends
This ‘Diva’ can coach
Alabama A and M is the only HBCU on the Gopher women’s basketball schedule this season, and they are bringing a proven winner to The Barn. Head Coach Dawn E. Thornton, a Jackson State alum and accomplished recruiter, led the Bulldogs to a 21 and 11 record and a WNIT berth in her first season. Picked second in the SWAC, Alabama A and M features preseason SWAC Player of the Year Kalia Walker and a core of double digit scorers, giving local fans a rare chance to see a strong HBCU program and a Black woman head coach on the Williams Arena sidelines.
Posted inAnother View
No respect for HBCUs among local media
Minnesota will host two HBCU opponents this month, but local mainstream media are unlikely to give the games meaningful coverage. HBCU advocates say this pattern fits decades of inequitable sports reporting, making Black owned media outlets like the MSR critical for visibility, respect, and fair representation.
Posted inThe Prep Scene
North defeats Pine Island in state playoffs
This week’s Fab Five photos feature the Minneapolis North Polars football team’s 50-21 victory over Pine Island in the Class 3A state quarterfinals at Totino Grace High School Saturday afternoon November 8, 2025. The defense and blocking of linemen Anthony Palmer, Malachi Tolliver, Jaylen Peterson, Adonis Baker and Musa Abdus-Sahid allowed quarterback Logan Lachermeier to […]
Posted inOdds and Ends
New Tommies digs crowns DI status
St. Thomas opens its first Division I season with the debut of Lee & Penny Anderson Arena, a new 253,000-square-foot complex for basketball and hockey that also promises community access and renewed focus on diversity in athletics.
Posted inAnother View
On-air Black sports analysts relish the authenticity
During ESPN’s Oct. 15 NBA media call, Chiney Ogwumike, Malika Andrews, and Kendrick Perkins shared why representation and authenticity matter on air and how their work resonates with young Black fans. The NBA will honor trailblazers Chuck Cooper, Nat “Sweetwater” Clifton, and Earl Lloyd throughout the season.
Posted inThe Prep Scene
Former Minneapolis Washburn star leading his alma mater
MSR Prep Sports Shoutouts highlight 10 athletes, coaches, and leaders shaping Minnesota athletics as the new season begins.
Posted inThe Prep Scene
Fab Four photo spread: Lynx dominate Aces at Target Center
The Minnesota Lynx defeated the Las Vegas Aces 109–78 at Target Center, led by Napheesa Collier’s 25 points and a balanced team effort. Fab Four highlights featured.
Posted inAnother View
Black women losing ground as WNBA head coaches
Seattle’s Noelle Quinn is the only Black woman head coach in the WNBA this season. Just two years ago, there were six Black head coaches in the league.
Posted inSports
Wrestling champ surprised to find herself coaching — and loving it
Kenya Sloan has been named the first women’s wrestling head coach at Delaware State. The national champ and undefeated high school athlete now leads the first HBCU program of its kind.
Posted inCoaching while Black
Losing coach hopes for better days
Jazmone Turner’s first season as Delaware State WBB Coach was not without its ups and downs. It also can make a coach, even one as experienced as Turner, self-question what they are doing.
Posted inCoaching while Black
Losing coach sees bright future
Malikah Willis came to Maryland Eastern Shore last April with over 23 years of collegiate coaching experience. She has various roles, including lead recruiter at most of the 12 schools Willis has served as an assistant coach.
Posted inHigh School Basketball
Clutch Block Seals Prior Lake’s Thrilling 76-73 Victory Over Apple Valley
Prior Lake Lakers won the thrilling non-conference showdown against Apple Valley Eagles 76-73, with standout performances from Norbu Jenpa with 22 points and Colten Gunderson with a game-winning block.